As the 2023 college football season reaches its midway point, the Pac-12 conference has become one of the most captivating storylines. With seven teams proudly adorning spots in the AP Top 25, the anticipation for marquee matchups like the clash between No. 7 Washington and No. 8 Oregon is palpable. Both teams, undefeated and recharged after a bye week, are set to deliver an electrifying Saturday afternoon showdown featuring two of the nation’s premier quarterbacks: Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix.
But this week isn’t just about the Pacific Northwest rivalry. A heated prime-time showdown looms as current Heisman Trophy frontrunner Caleb Williams, the No. 10 USC Trojans take on Sam Hartman, and the No. 21 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Meanwhile, following an unexpected loss to Georgia Tech, the No. 25 Miami Hurricanes find themselves at a crossroads as they travel to Chapel Hill to face Drake Maye and the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels. Week 7 of the 2023 college football season promises its fair share of surprises.
Let’s dive into the betting lines, money lines, and totals for these exciting matchups:
No. 8 Oregon at No. 7 Washington (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Last year’s duel between Oregon and Washington was a high-scoring thriller, and the potential for another shootout looms large. Washington secured the victory in Eugene with a remarkable performance from Michael Penix Jr., who amassed 408 passing yards. However, the Ducks were equally potent on offense, racking up 312 rushing yards, led by Bucky Irving’s 146 yards, while Bo Nix contributed 280 passing yards.
These numbers suggest a fierce battle between two top-10 teams that could determine the Pac-12’s frontrunner for the playoff. Nix and Penix have been lighting up the stat sheets, combining for 3,458 passing yards and 31 touchdowns through the air with just three interceptions between them.
Oregon holds the upper hand on the defensive front, having limited their last three opponents to a mere 22 total points. But the challenge posed by Washington’s explosive offense, led by Penix, might be their toughest test yet. If Penix can replicate his success from last year, it could force Nix to play catch-up, potentially leading to a thrilling duel worthy of Heisman Trophy consideration.
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No. 10 USC at No. 21 Notre Dame (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
The 2023 season has seen the USC Trojans excel in high-scoring affairs, scoring over 40 points in their six wins. However, their defense has been porous, conceding at least 28 points in four of those contests. As they face off against Sam Hartman and Notre Dame, it’s clear that the Trojans may need to adapt to a different style of play.
Notre Dame boasts a formidable defense that allows an average of just 279.4 total yards per game. While their offense hasn’t been as explosive lately, they’ve faced tough competition in recent weeks, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, Duke Blue Devils, and Louisville Cardinals.
This matchup could hinge on whether Hartman can produce a standout performance. If not, it might evolve into a lower-scoring game, with Notre Dame relying on its defense to contain USC’s high-powered offense. The potential for fatigue may also factor in, with both teams coming off grueling contests in recent weeks.
No. 25 Miami at No. 12 North Carolina (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Miami’s heartbreaking loss to Georgia Tech as 19-point home favorites was a shocking setback. Their offense fell short, and they lost outright on a game-winning 44-yard touchdown pass by Georgia Tech with less than 10 seconds remaining. On the flip side, the North Carolina Tar Heels covered as 9.5-point favorites in a dominant 40-7 win over Syracuse.
North Carolina’s recent performances have showcased their offensive prowess, outscoring ACC opponents by a substantial margin. Miami, on the other hand, must regroup and find their rhythm to avoid further disappointment.
As we delve deeper into the heart of the college football season, these matchups promise intense action, surprises, and, of course, plenty of betting opportunities. It’s a week where anything can happen on the gridiron, making it essential for bettors to assess their picks and predictions before the games kick-off carefully.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.